During Challenging Times, "Manage Your Mindset."

May we never listen to the voices in our head that urge us to "Despair and die!"

I can never get through The Epoch Times without finding articles I want to clip and save or send to friends or just re-read and meditate on. Yesterday an article from an early November issue (I'm always behind!) caught my eye. Titled Managing Your Mindset, it reminded me that "No matter what life brings to your doorstep, you can choose your attitude and reactions." Spot on and a lesson that's good for me. 

Being a melancholic, I tend to get caught up in negative feelings and can easily begin hanging black crepe in the home of mind for a major pity party. I've been fighting that temptation most of my life and still have to flee the uninvited gloom and doom guests who invade my mental space and urge me to "Despair and die."

So what was the advice of the author, Barbara Danza? First, to "stand guard at the door of your mind." Too much news (mostly bad), too much social media consumption, bad movies and TV shows -- they can all be like opening a tank of sewage and showering in it. We've all read about how too much screen time leads kids to depression. Adults aren't immune from it either. This Advent I've been spending less time in front of my computer screen and the boob tube. Danza encourages readers to "seek higher wisdom and truth." Good advice indeed. 

Her second admonition is to "fulfill the duties of each and every role you play." That clicked with me as a reminder that Catholics have a responsibility to put first the duties of one's state in life. As Danza writes: "Consider all the hats you wear and do your absolute best to fulfill the duties of each and every role you play....Nurture the parts of your life in the same way you'd tend a garden...and eventually you'll see fruit."

Yesterdays duty was to "keep the Sabbath holy." Our Sunday five rosaries help with that as well as the St. Andrew's novena. I meant to spend some time with St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and her spiritual adviser, St. Claude de la Colombiere focusing on uniting my heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and accepting everything, both joyful and sorrowful, as coming from the wisdom and will of God. Alas, that good intention got lost along the way. But today is another day with no mistakes in it....yet....so I will meet those dear saints with my morning coffee.

Nothing just happens -- all is in God's providence. When we surrender ourselves to Jesus and place all our trust in Him, the "bad" things in our lives become invitations to sanctity. But, of course, that requires our cooperation, not our complaining. Nothing draws a soul more quickly to God than joy in suffering. That's a major paradox of life in this Valley of Tears. Reading the lives of the saints can help us accomplish what seems impossible! They did!

Which brings me to Danza's next piece of advice. "Cherish your life....cherish both the good and the bad, and be truly grateful for the blessings and the lessons you've been given." And then..."Turn away from the culture of resentment and vitriol and fill your heart with love. Love yourself, love your family, love your friends, love your neighbors, love people whom you respect and people you totally disagree with, love the strangers you pass on the street -- foster love in your heart....Recognize that everyone has good in them and that you can choose to focus on that." Not an easy challenge that!

The last admonition is "choose to shed light wherever you go. Set down complaining, gossip, and the spreading of doom and gloom. Instead, be a light. Smile more. Have compassion. Cheer others on. Be helpful and caring. See the good in all situations and share your inner light with those around you." This reminds me of my mother who so cheerfully served, first her family and then others. In her 80s she was going twice a week to the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home. Only her last illness found her laying down her work as she prepared for her final journey with the Lord.

During Advent when, "The people in darkness have seen a great light," Danza's last piece of advice seems especially appropriate. How can I shed light today? A phone call? A letter? Prayers for someone I know is in great need? Wrapping gifts while praying for the recipient. There are so many ways to reflect the "Light of the world." May all we do this Advent help to increase the light because we do it for Jesus through Mary. May we be able to say at Christmas as we gaze on the infant in the manger, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior."

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

St. Joseph, pillar of families, pray for us.